Nissan
is deserving of the "innovator" title for the U.S. compact
truck segment. It was in 1959 that the company introduced the first
compact truck to the U.S. market. Ten years later the first half-ton
model debuted. The first long bed model appeared in 1975, followed
two years later by the first extended cab -- the King Cab. In 1983,
Nissan became the first U.S.- built import truck nameplate. The
year 2000 marked the introduction of the first compact Crew Cab
model, and a year later Nissan offered the first compact truck-based,
factory-installed supercharger. The latest innovation is the first
long bed to be offered for a compact Crew Cab pickup, which bows
as a 2002 model.

The
full size long bed measures 74.6 inches, adding 18.3 inches of load
length when compared to their Crew Cab short bed, and 11.5 inches
to the capability of the nearest competitor, the Dodge Dakota Quad
Cab. The Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed tops GM's S-10 Crew Cab length
by more than a foot and a half, and Toyota's Double Cab's bed length
by over a foot. Wheelbase has been extended 15 inches and overall
length has risen to 211 inches while maneuverability and typical
"garage-ability" have been retained. The long bed will
be available for all trim levels, including: XE; SE; and Supercharged
S/C models. Payload capability is increased by approximately 150
pounds and the GVWR has been bumped up by 220 pounds. Towing capacity
remains the same at 5,000 pounds with the automatic transmission.

The
Frontier's instrument panel is redesigned for 2002 with three
gauge cockpit-style instrument clusters

Other
improvements featured for the 2000 Frontier lineup, which is available
in a total of 19 configurations include: a redesigned instrument
panel with a three gauge cockpit-style instrument cluster; a larger
console; and the availability of a 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate®
high-powered audio system (only for Crew Cabs) -- a specially tricked
out Frontier (approximately $80,000 worth) highlighting the unique
and desirable personal entertainment system will be making the show
circuit rounds. A major coup is the redesign and relocation of the
parking or emergency brake from a "twist and pull" release
and engage shaft, located on the right side of the steering column
under the dash, to a foot engaged type positioned by the left kick
panel. The release is surprisingly placed where the old "knee-smasher"
brake was before. A pivot lever type would seem to make more sense
for hill holding capability with manual transmission equipped vehicles
-- Nissan indicated that this was not readily feasible due to console
configuration limitations. Come on guys, with all of the company's
innovative prowess, surely there is a possibility.

Regular
Cab Frontiers will go the way of the dinosaur, and will no longer
be available from Nissan. Choices will now only include King Cab,
4-door Crew Cab or Crew Cab Long Bed models.

A
Rockford-Fosgate 9-speaker audio system, with an in-dash 6-disc
CD player, is optional

When
selecting power for your Frontier truck, the Supercharged 3.3 liter
SOHC V6 is at the top of the list, producing 210 horsepower and
246 pound feet of torque (automatic transmission), or 231 pound
feet with the manual gearbox. Next is the naturally aspirated 3.3
liter V6 with 170 horses and 200 pound feet of torque at a low 2,800
rpm -- this engine is standard for Desert Runners, all 4x4 models
and Crew Cabs with either short or long beds. King Cab XE 4x2s will
come standard with power from a 2.4 liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine
that generates 143 horsepower and 154 pound feet of torque.

Shifting
chores are handled by a 5-speed manual transmission on XE and S/C
King Cab trucks, while a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic
is available for the XE and standard on SE, S/C Crew Cab and Crew
Cab Long Bed models. A limited slip differential appears as standard
equipment on SE and S/C Frontiers, and is optional on V6 powered
XEs. Nissan will continue to offer Frontiers models for either two-wheeling
or four-wheeling with standard rear Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
and 4-wheel ABS for V6 powered and Crew Cab models. Frontier's guidance
system is a power-assisted recirculating ball type with a good on
center feel.

Five
spoke rims complement the Frontier's aggressive looks

Leather-appointed
interiors are available for SE and S/C models, with a sports car-style
red-on-charcoal stitching on S/C haulers. The glove box has been
increased by 25 percent to accommodate more personal belongings.
A seat height adjuster is slated for the not-too-distant future.
Safety and security issues are addressed by the implementation of
dual-stage supplemental air bags (King Cab versions feature an on/off
switch), seat belt pretensioners and standard tailgate locks for
all models. Outside the Frontier retains last year's implemented
industrial appearance, but with a new raised hoodline, as well as
a new grille and fascia treatment.

We
were afforded the opportunity to pilot a pre-production Frontier
SE Crew Cab Long Bed over remote challenging roads south of Big
Sur and along Highway 1. The truck was unladen but still managed
to provide a comfortable ride quality, with surprising agility and
maneuverability. Our tester was powered by the naturally aspirated
3.3 liter V6 which seemed totally adequate under virtually all circumstances
and conditions. The truck obviously now has a much heavier feel
about it due to the increased weight and length -- in other words,
it is no Xterra.

Pricing
will range from $14,839* for an XE King Cab powered by the 2.4 liter
4-cylinder in a 4x2 configuration with a 5-speed manual transmission
to $26,500* for a loaded SE Crew Cab Long Bed with a supercharged
3.3 liter V6 and automatic transmission in 4x4 drive configuration.
The average transaction price is predicted to run around $24,500.
The choice is yours, you may now have long, longer or longest, with
a long list of standard features and amenities. *unofficial estimated prices.

The
new models which will be assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing's
plants in Smyrna and Decherd, Tennessee, are set to go on sale this
August.